[Brief explanation: A Son of Destiny is an existence born and loved by destiny itself. They possess unreasonable luck, making them impossible to kill by any means. They are beings destined to stand at the pinnacle of the entire World!]
"Hmm... How interesting..."
With a blood-red lollipop tucked between her lips, Lux—or Mayuri, the name she used in her current template form—narrowed her golden-yellow eyes. Those gem-like irises gleamed dangerously as she examined the data appearing in her mind.
Who would have thought that something like a protagonist from a fantasy story would actually appear in this world? An existence so beloved by fate that reality itself bends to protect it.
"Does this mean he is my enemy?" asked Lux (Mayuri) calmly, her voice as cold as ice yet containing an interest she couldn't hide.
[No. As long as the Host doesn't take initiative, the Host won't become his enemy. However, as information, if the Host manages to make the Son of Destiny experience strong emotions, the Host will receive many Points!]
Lux (Mayuri) pulled her lollipop with a slow motion, leaving a glossy trail on her pale lips. "What do you mean?"
[Like making him amazed, afraid, surprised, happy, and so forth. As long as it will make him emotional, the Host might receive points up to hundreds of millions]
[It might even unlock new Character Templates]
"So extraordinary?" Lux (Mayuri) raised her eyebrow slightly—a subtle movement showing her deepening interest.
[That's because the role of a Son of Destiny is extraordinary. They aren't easily impressed by any achievement because they can surpass that achievement with their destiny]
[So, making their emotions fluctuate is basically a great achievement]
"I see..." Lux (Mayuri) nodded slowly, her slender fingers playing with the lollipop stick. Then, with a voice so calm it seemed to freeze the air around her, she asked something that made even the System pause. "Then, what if I kill him?"
[...]
Silence. Even the System was silent as if it hadn't expected that question to emerge from Lux (Mayuri)'s lips. But shortly after, an answer was heard.
[There would be many rewards that the Host would receive for the achievement of killing a 'Son of Destiny'. However... the System does not recommend it]
Lux (Mayuri) showed no anger at this rejection. Her eyes just flashed with curiosity. "Is it because of their 'plot armor'?"
[Yes. That's one of the reasons. Another reason is that once a Son of Destiny dies, the number of Sons of Destiny will increase and their destiny becomes stronger until the chance to kill them is almost impossible and surpasses the Gods]
[It could be a reincarnated God, a human from the world of cultivators, a human with a unique golden finger, and so on...]
"Oh?" For the first time, a flash of surprise appeared in Lux (Mayuri)'s usually calm eyes. "Isn't that good news? The more Sons of Destiny are killed, the more rewards I receive."
[That's true, but the System still advises against killing a Son of Destiny]
"..."
Lux (Mayuri) fell silent, closing her eyes for a moment. She let the gentle breeze caress her blonde hair, which shimmered under the sunlight. In reality, she understood the System's concerns. Indeed, Sons of Destiny are very weak at first, but that doesn't mean they don't have deadly hidden trump cards.
Every Son of Destiny must have a one-time ace card that could kill opponents no matter how strong they are. Even Lux herself has the 'Mystic Eyes of Death Perception'—eyes that can see the lines of death on any existence—as her ace card, let alone the Sons of Destiny.
[However, if the Host still intends to kill a Son of Destiny, the System will help the Host as much as possible]
[There are some Templates that are powerful and unaffected by destiny. So...]
Hearing that the System would support her no matter what, Lux (Mayuri) fell silent. Then, for the first time, a gentle smile appeared on her usually expressionless lips—a smile that could melt the ice at the poles.
"Okay, but for now, let's follow your advice first. Don't kill the Son of Destiny yet. Besides, I want to squeeze as many Achievement Points as possible from him." Her voice hinted at a plan hidden deep in her mind.
[Alright]
[Ding! Detected that this Son of Destiny seems to have a System. Please be cautious, Host!]
"I see..." Lux (Mayuri)'s eyes narrowed calculatingly. "His golden finger is a System? Can you find out what kind of System it is?"
[Ding! That System is called the 'Divine Contract System']
[This system allows its User to use most of the powers of the people they contract with without limitations]
[Be it Gods, immortal beings, legendary races, and so on, as long as they are all willing to make a contract, the user can use their powers!]
"Sounds quite powerful," murmured Lux (Mayuri), her fingers playing with the tips of her hair in a gentle motion.
Indeed, for some people, that System sounds quite powerful. Even normal people would become very strong after contracting with many beings.
But... Is it that easy?
Of course not at all. If it's low-intelligence creatures like slimes, goblins, and so on, the user might succeed.
But the same cannot be said for the strongest beings in this world.
Every strongest existence in this world is a proud and arrogant being. None of them would willingly contract with a trash human who provides no benefit for them.
[The Host is wrong about this part]
"Hm?" Lux (Mayuri) raised her eyebrows calmly.
[Every creature that makes a contract through the Divine Contract System will have any desire fulfilled once the contract is completed]
Hearing that, Lux (Mayuri) fell silent. "It can't be that easy, right?" she whispered softly.
[Yes. To fulfill the request of the contracted creature, points called 'Contract Points' are needed]
[The stronger the request, the more points needed. These points can be collected by hunting 'Magical Beasts']
[The Divine Contract System user only needs to explain this benefit to the creature they will contract with, and it will happen]
"Useless," replied Lux (Mayuri) with a sharp gaze. "Even explaining the benefits, no creature is stupid enough to believe something that absurd."
Anyway, fulfilling any request sounds too excessive. Even Lux (Mayuri) wouldn't believe this if she didn't have a System herself.
[That might not be impossible because he is... a Son of Destiny]
"...You right." Lux (Mayuri) rolled her eyes—a rare gesture showing that she just realized something very obvious.
Right. As a Son of Destiny, that person has unreasonable luck, and even Gods can only kneel under the power of this plot armor.
Knowing this, Lux (Mayuri) calmly closed her eyes, considering all possibilities. "Last question..." Her voice was almost a whisper. "Can the Son of Destiny's 'System' detect you?"
[For this issue, the Host need not worry. There is not a single existence in this world that can detect me]
With that assurance, Lux (Mayuri) calmly opened her eyes. A dangerous flash appeared in her pink irises. "Then I can carry out my plan smoothly..."
She had already thought of a scenario that could end this Son of Destiny...
***
On the other side of town, Shou had just finished bandaging the wounds on his body. The traces of scratches still felt painful on his sun-burned skin. His eyes flashed with enthusiasm as he began interrogating his System to understand functions he hadn't grasped yet.
And just as explained to Lux, Shou received a similar explanation about the Divine Contract System.
However, unlike Lux's calm reaction, Shou's expression immediately turned sour. His forehead wrinkled deeply, and his lips pursed.
"Fulfilling any request? You've got to be kidding!" he muttered in frustration, messing up his already disheveled black hair. "Who would believe such nonsense?"
Shou was sure people would think he was crazy if he said that! Worse, he might be immediately killed by the proud beings for being considered a liar!
And even worse, what if their requests were excessive? For example... becoming invincible in the whole world.
Shou ruffled his hair harder. He was certain that even if he died, he would never be able to gather enough points to fulfill such a request!
"At that time, I'd surely be flicked to death!" he exclaimed in frustration, imagining his body crushed with one flick from a powerful being angry because his promise wasn't fulfilled.
It must be admitted, though his IQ wasn't as high as Lux's, Shou was still smart enough to realize the fatal weakness of his System.
Of course, if he knew that he was a Son of Destiny—one who is loved by fate—he might not be afraid of the System's weakness and would dare to make contracts without fear of death.
Unfortunately, the term 'Son of Destiny' was something that couldn't be known by anyone, even by the chosen one himself...
Shou sighed heavily, his head pounding from too much thinking. "I guess I need rest," he muttered tiredly. "Tomorrow will be better."
Besides, he thought, he didn't have to contract with super powerful beings. He could start with weak creatures, right?
Let's start one by one. We'll start with the weakest creatures, he determined in his heart.
[Just a notification for the Host. Host can only make a contract with one target]
[To increase the contract target limit, Host must upgrade the System to level 2 and so on with 'Contract Points']
"..."
Shou fell silent, his mouth gaping wide. His heart seemed to stop beating for several seconds.
One? Just ONE contract?
His eyes twitched. He suspected he indeed needed to sleep first...
***
Shou woke up with thick black bags under his eyes. He really couldn't sleep well because he kept thinking about what creature he should contract with.
After all, he only had one chance. After being contracted, it was impossible for him to replace that contract with another creature. This was like choosing a life partner—once chosen, forever.
After making a contract, he was basically sharing his life with them. So, if his contracted creature died, he would die too.
That's why Shou had to choose his contract creature very carefully.
"Goblin?" He shook his head vigorously. "Too weak and smelly."
"Slime?" He grimaced in disgust. "Too... sticky."
"Silver Rabbit?" He sighed. "Cute, but what's the use?"
"Rank B Hunter?" He clicked his tongue. "They probably want something impossible for me to fulfill!"
None of them fit! They all had fatal flaws!
The contract creature he dreamed of was a super strong being, not selfish, not arrogant, not greedy, and with a very cool or pleasant appearance!
With such criteria, he could live peacefully!
But he knew... His wish was too beautiful to become reality. Too perfect to be found in this cruel world.
Even Hunters known for their kindness would hesitate to contract with him—a nameless young man with no achievements!
"I knew it, there are no truly good humans," he muttered bitterly. "They're all cruel and selfish..."
Shou's expression was very dark, clouds of despair enveloping his face. Although he knew that selfishness was human nature, he was also very selfish, easily blaming other humans who were actually not at fault.
Still... Shou still had a headache from confusion about what creature to contract with.
With heavy steps, he walked along the busy city streets. The voices of merchants offering their merchandise and the laughter of playing children couldn't lift his gloomy mood.
Shou looked up, staring at the vast blue sky above him. Somehow, the view looked more beautiful than usual.
"At least the sky still looks beautiful," he muttered, trying to comfort himself.
True. The blue sky with soft white clouds drifting gently. And... a giant black winged ball in the middle?
Shou blinked several times, making sure his sight wasn't wrong.
"Black... ball?" he whispered in confusion. "With wings?"
It was a very strange sight. A large pitch-black ball, floating in the air with wings. Shou swore he could see strange purple light pulsing from inside that ball.
"Is that someone's creation?" he thought, shaking his head. "No, that's too conspicuous. Everyone would be talking about it by now."
Sighing, Shou turned around and continued his search to find a suitable creature for his contract.
...
...
...
"WAIT A MINUTE!!!"
Shou suddenly stopped, his body stiff like a statue. His head turned with inhuman speed back toward the sky.
"WHAT IS THAT?!!! SINCE WHEN DOES OUR CITY HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THAT?!" He shouted loudly, attracting the attention of people around him.
Shou roared and was dumbfounded. His expression was filled with fear as he stared intently at the black ball. Those black wings moving slowly were so terrifying, making his hair stand on end!
His body trembled violently, cold sweat drenching his forehead and neck. His panicked and frightened appearance caught the attention of someone passing by.
"Hey, kid, are you alright?" asked a middle-aged man with concern. "You look very pale."
"A-ah, I'm fine, Uncle," Shou stuttered, trying to calm himself. His hand was still trembling when he pointed toward the sky. "Rather than that... Since when does our city have a giant winged black ball decoration?"
The uncle looked at him with confusion, his eyebrows raised high. "Huh? Black ball? What do you mean, kid?"
Seeing the uncle's confusion, Shou also became confused. His eyes blinked rapidly. "Can't you see it, Uncle?! That black ball is right above us!"
The uncle looked up, staring at the sky carefully. His forehead wrinkled even deeper because he couldn't see anything except the clear blue sky and soft white clouds drifting gently.
"Kid..." The uncle looked at Shou with a pitying gaze. "Are you too tired to the point of hallucinating? Or did you drink something strange?"
Shou was stunned hearing those words. His heart pounded rapidly. 'What... Am I the only one who can see it?' he thought with horror.
[Ding! That's right. Apart from certain people, no one can see that black ball]
'System?!' Shou exclaimed in his heart, his eyes widening. 'What do you mean by that?!'
[As implied. The black ball has a special property where people cannot see it normally. Host can see the black ball because Host has a System]
Shou swallowed hard. Cold sweat poured more profusely from his forehead.
"Hey, kid. Are you okay?" The uncle asked again, beginning to look worried about Shou's increasingly pale condition.
"Y-yes, I'm sorry, Uncle," Shou stuttered, forcing a smile. "Maybe like you said, I'm too tired. So, I'll be going now."
"Then rest enough."
Before the uncle finished speaking, Shou had already darted off as if chased by a demon. His legs moved with incredible speed, jumping over several barrels and baskets blocking his way.
The uncle was perplexed watching Shou's sudden departure. "Strange," he muttered. "Didn't he just say he was tired?"
***
"System! You said that black ball is one of someone's power results and that person is nearby, right?!" shouted Shou with gasping breath.
[That's correct]
Shou clenched his fists tightly, his eyes flashing with determination. "Then, can you direct me to the location?!"
[What does Host want to do?] The System asked.
"Isn't it obvious?!" Shou's gaze sharpened, his voice trembling with determination. "I will contract with the owner of that black ball!"
[Are you sure?] The System warned in a serious tone. [You could die. The System indeed detected that the aura of that black ball is very strong, but there's no guarantee its owner is a good person]
"I trust my instinct!" Shou struck his chest with his fist. "I feel... as if destiny is calling me. If I ignore this, I will live in regret forever. So stop asking and tell me the location!"
A brief silence before the System finally answered.
[... As Host wishes]
A blue holographic compass appeared in the air in front of Shou. The compass arrow spun for a moment before stopping pointing in one direction. Without wasting time, Shou ran with all his might, following the compass direction. His heart pounded heavily, his breath rushed, but his determination remained unshaken.
Sweat poured from his forehead, his legs began to feel heavy, but Shou kept forcing himself to run. The compass continued to blink brighter—a sign that he was getting closer to the target.
And finally, he arrived at the location he was looking for. In the middle of the empty city park, under a blooming cherry blossom tree, Shou stopped his steps. His body trembled from exhaustion, his breath short and irregular.
"Where is that per—"
His words were caught in his throat. Shou's body suddenly stiffened, his eyes widened in disbelief at the sight before him.
[Ding! Powerful creature detected!]
[Starting information search...]
[Ding! Information search completed!]
...
<<[Identity: Takamiya Mayuri]>>
- [Title: Mayuri Judgement] -
- [Race: True Spirit] -
- [1st Talent Rank ???: Angel - Kerubiel (Thunder Sanctuary)] -
- [2nd Talent Rank SSS: Five Angel of Spirit] -
- [Divine Protection: Divine Protection of Life Goddess] -
- [Evaluation: Power almost equal to Hunter Rank SSS, doesn't have many desires, pure from all sins, and has a calm personality. Overall, she is an almost perfect existence! Very suitable to be made as a contract creature candidate for Host!] -
...
A row of information shimmered in front of Shou's eyes, but the young man didn't see it at all. His gaze was fixed on the figure sitting gracefully under the cherry blossom tree.
As if time had stopped moving.
Before him sat a girl with beauty that transcended human limits. Her blonde hair shimmered softly under the sunlight that penetrated the gaps of the cherry petals, partly tied in a ponytail on the right side, adding to her charm. Strands of her hair danced gently in the wind, creating an almost mystical sight.
She wore a white sailor uniform with black line accents that perfectly wrapped her body, black thigh-high stockings contrasting with her glowing fair skin. A pair of pearl earrings adorned her ears, reflecting sunlight like small stars.
Beside her lay a pink bag that looked almost untouched, as if it had just been bought. Her presence under the cherry blossom tree created a harmonious sight—the beauty of nature and the beauty of a creature that seemed to come from another world.
Shou was transfixed. His tongue was numb. His heart seemed to stop beating. The world he had always considered cruel and unfair suddenly shone brightly when this girl entered his view.
Cherry petals fell around her, some falling gently on her blonde hair, creating a sight almost like a heavenly painting.
Thump!
'Beautiful...' Shou whispered in his heart, almost unconsciously.
Then the girl opened her eyes, revealing clear pink amethyst irises, as deep as an ocean and as bright as dawn. Her gaze was so pure, without a single spot of hatred or evil. Shou felt as if he was looking into a soul untouched by the cruelty of the world—like a newborn baby, sacred and worthy of protection.
[Host, be aware!]
The System's warning brought Shou back from his reverie. The young man blinked several times, trying to refocus on his original purpose.
"Hey System... are you sure that girl is the owner of that black ball?" whispered Shou doubtfully. The contrast between the terrifying black ball in the sky with the sacred beauty of the girl before him felt too strange.
[Don't be deceived by her appearance.] The System responded firmly. [The energy of that black ball comes from this girl. It's impossible for the System to misdetect]
"But..." Shou was still hesitant, his eyes couldn't leave the girl's figure.
[However, she is the perfect creature to make a contract with.] The System continued with a more persuasive tone. [Both her personality and power, she is a great start for Host]
[Even the System itself didn't think... that there would be such a creature in this world. Therefore, the System highly recommends Host to quickly contract with her]
"Y-yes..." Shou swallowed, trying to gather his courage.
With steps that felt heavy and a rapidly beating heart, Shou slowly approached the girl. His hands trembled, his forehead sweating, but his determination remained strong.
The girl was still silent, her gaze peering far into the distance, enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms with a calm expression as if the outside world meant nothing to her.
"H-hey, can I sit with you?" asked Shou awkwardly, his voice sounding foreign to his own ears. He immediately cursed himself for not being able to find a better conversation opener.
For the first time, the girl turned to him. Her beautiful eyes looked at Shou with a calm gaze but with a hint of interest. She tilted her head with a graceful movement that was hypnotizing.
"I-is there something weird with my face?" asked Shou while reflexively touching his own face, feeling awkward under the girl's gaze.
"...This is surprising," a gentle voice like the chime of a heavenly harp flowed from her thin lips. "I didn't think there would be someone who could see me in this city."
"H-huh? W-what do you mean—"
*[Just like that giant black ball, this girl also has the same characteristic. She cannot be seen by normal people]* the System explained.
'Eh? I-isn't that a big problem?!' Shou was shocked internally.
[For ordinary humans, it might be frightening, but that girl is a True Spirit. Naturally, she is different from other creatures]
[She doesn't need food, sleep, and other things. Basically... she won't be in trouble even if not seen by others. She will always live peacefully and calmly]
'I-I see...'
Shou felt a mixture of feelings—relieved yet envious that this girl could live without the worldly burdens that had been pressing him.
"Can see me..." the girl continued, her voice soft yet containing mysterious depth. "You must not be an ordinary person."
"T-that..." Shou stuttered, confused about what to answer. It was impossible for him to reveal the existence of the System that allowed him to see the girl.
"Because I—"
"You don't have to answer," interrupted the girl gently. "Some people have their own secrets that must be respected." She looked at him. "Then... do you need something from me?" she asked directly, her gaze piercing into Shou's soul.
"Ah... that..." Shou became nervous again, but when the shadow of vengeance and his desire to become strong reappeared in his mind, his determination hardened. He clenched his fists tightly and looked straight into the girl's eyes.
"I... I need your power..."
"Power?" The girl tilted her head gracefully. Cherry petals fell near her, creating a beautiful contrast with her blonde hair. "Could you be more detailed? I still don't understand."
"Regarding that..." Shou took a deep breath, then began to explain everything.
With an increasingly steady voice, he told about his goal, about the contract that could bind them, the benefits of the contract, its duration, and the type of power he needed. He explained everything honestly, without hiding anything—except for the existence of the System. Somehow, in front of this girl, Shou felt no need to lie or pretend.
He explained his 'Talent' carefully, trying to sound convincing though his heart felt uncomfortable having to hide the truth about the System.
"That's why... would you form a contract with me?" Shou finally asked, his voice full of hope.
The girl was silent for a moment, her eyes contemplating the falling cherry petals. The gentle breeze again played with her blonde hair.
"I see..." She nodded slowly. "That's quite interesting, but not too interesting for me. I don't have any desires that need to be fulfilled."
Hearing that answer, Shou clenched his fist until his knuckles turned white. He sighed heavily, disappointment enveloping his heart. Actually, he had expected to be rejected. Even after explaining that any wish could be fulfilled, it was still hard to believe.
Even he himself sometimes still found it difficult to believe.
The rejection was indeed painful, but what was more painful was the realization that he wouldn't be able to be with this girl...
"However..." the girl continued, making Shou look up with new hope, "I'm quite curious whether you can use my power, so I agree to make a contract."
"...Eh?" Shou was stunned, his eyes widened in disbelief.
"I want to make a contract," repeated the girl in a calm tone. "Don't you want to?"
"No, no, no! I want to! I want to! Please make a contract with me!" exclaimed Shou enthusiastically, his face beaming with happiness.
The overflowing feeling of happiness in his chest even exceeded the happiness he had felt at his first birthday celebration. It felt like receiving a gift he had never dreamed of before.
The girl nodded, her expression remaining calm though a slight smile appeared on her lips. "Then... what should I do to make a contract?"
"Regarding that..." Shou took out a piece of paper from his pocket, "Write your wish on this paper, and once approval from both parties has been confirmed, then this contract will be valid." He paused for a moment. "But I remember you don't have any desires."
"That's right," the girl confirmed. "Regarding my own desire, I will achieve it with my own power. I don't need help from others to make it happen."
Shou smiled bitterly. "But if so, this contract cannot be formed because you have to write down your wish."
"Is that so?" A slight frown appeared on the girl's forehead—an expression that somehow still looked beautiful in Shou's eyes.
Unexpectedly, the girl took the paper from Shou's hand and began to write something. Her white hand moved gracefully, leaving neat ink traces on the paper.
Shou waited with a pounding heart. Curiosity bubbled in his chest. What could be the wish of a girl this beautiful?
When the paper was returned to him, Shou immediately read it. Instantly, his facial expression turned rigid. Unconsciously, his hand crumpled the paper until it was wrinkled.
'This...'
Indeed, there was nothing technically wrong with the wish. However, his heart suddenly felt cold, as if drenched with ice water.
"Is there something wrong?" asked the girl in a calm tone, her clear eyes staring straight at Shou.
Shou didn't know whether the girl intentionally wrote such a wish or not. However, the pure gaze from her amethyst eyes made the anger that had arisen in his heart subside.
He took a long breath and said, "No... nothing. Our contract can begin."
Shou rolled the paper, and magically, the paper immediately burned in a shimmering blue flame. Its ashes floated into the air, turning into glowing letters.
At that moment, a beautiful writing appeared in the air between them, forming a contract written in an ancient language but understandable to both:
...
<<[Divine Contract]>>
- [Contractor: Shou] -
- [Target: Takamiya Mayuri] -
- [Description: Using power from an individual named Takamiya Mayuri] -
- [Wish: In exchange for using her power, Takamiya Mayuri can terminate this life and death contract whenever she wants] -
- [Amount of Contract Points for Takamiya Mayuri's wish: None] -
...
Instantly, a strange sensation swept through Shou's body. It felt like his soul was being pulled out, then rewoven with invisible threads to the girl's soul. This feeling was like a soul mate who had met with its other half—complementing each other but also interdependent.
But behind that amazing sensation, Shou felt bitterness in his heart. This contract was not perfect at all. This contract could end anytime, at the girl's will. He had just handed his fate to a stranger he didn't even know well.
On the other hand, the girl—though her expression remained calm outside—secretly felt pleased. Her gaze, still straight ahead, hid a flash of satisfaction that passed briefly.
'Good...'
[Ding! Successfully surprised the Son of Destiny and flipped his emotions!]
[Making the Son of Destiny feel amazed, Host receives 10,000,000 Achievement Points]
[Making the Son of Destiny astonished, Host receives 10,000,000 Achievement Points]
[Making the Son of Destiny enchanted, Host receives 15,000,000 Achievement Points]
Hearing the notifications ringing in her mind, Lux—who was disguised as Mayuri—secretly raised the corner of her lips in a thin smile that wasn't caught by Shou's eyes.
'Not long now,' she thought, 'I can reach my target...'
But quickly, her expression returned to calm. After all, what she targeted was a Son of Destiny. She didn't believe that Shou would continue to be surprised just by her beautiful appearance. For this, Lux had prepared herself. She had thought of many scenarios that could be used.
In her mind, a plan had been neatly arranged. She would squeeze Shou until the young man was no longer useful to her...